A “Makeup Bowl” Is the Key to Romanticizing Your Morning Routine

Sleeping through my alarm, and rummaging through all the items on my desk to get ready quickly and make it to class on time — all while trying to not wake up my roommate — is easily one of the most stressful parts of my day. But according to TikTok, a “makeup bowl” could be the simple solution to my chaotic mornings. 

I first saw this hack in a video from TikTok user Allie Seltz (@stardustmermaidlover), where she explains how she’s seen the concept of a “makeup bowl” all over Pinterest and wanted to try one. All you need to do is find a cute bowl to place near wherever you do your makeup for the day (for me, that’s my desk), put your products into the bowl for easy everyday access, and enjoy! 

Now, a “makeup bowl” might not seem all that different from storing your skincare and makeup in a pouch (or multiple pouches), but the time-saving hack of it all is that you can curate your bowl to hold only the items you need to use. Plus, the bowl is wide open, so you don’t need to root around in a dark makeup bag to find what you’re looking for — it’s all easily visible and displayed in a pretty bowl. It makes for easy cleanup when you’re in a rush, too (just dump it all back in the bowl!). And if you’ve never stored your skincare or makeup in anything, then the makeup bowl is a huge step up.  

The “makeup bowl” reminds me of another recent organizing trend: the “purse bowl,” which went viral this past spring. The idea is to dump everything you keep in your purse into a bowl when you get home, so that when you change bags it’s quick and easy to make sure you stock it with everything you need. These multipurpose bowls make everyday tasks less chaotic and are perfect for people who lack drawers or extra storage space — like those who live in a small apartment or dorm room. 

Pinterest has a ton of ideas on how to make your “makeup bowl” fit your style, from a glass bowl, to a wooden bowl, to even a mug! 

I love any organization that helps make my life a little less chaotic, and this hack has the bonus of helping you romanticize your makeup routine a little bit more. This “makeup bowl” idea is the perfect way to give new purpose to a bowl you already have, or to buy secondhand on your next thrifting spree. Because I’m home for winter break, I’m excited to search around the house for cute bowls to turn my messy makeup bag into something actually chic. 

Or, if you’re looking for something brand-new you can buy easily, Amazon has a ton of stylish options. Here are a few picks I love.

• This pink-and-gold set comes with three different sizes, which is great if you have a larger makeup collection.
• This blue glass bowl is another sizable option and has a pretty vintage-inspired pattern.
• I love the look of this small heart-shaped bowl that comes in different colors (and sets, too!). 
• If you have a more minimalist makeup routine, this square tulip-print dish would be so cute.
• This big wooden option is wide and low (great for finding everything easily), and perfect for a boho vibe.